Singapore, as you may already know, is a leading hub for global business travel. The city’s skyrocketing economic growth and strategic location make it a magnet for business travellers who come down for conferences, events, and networking opportunities. But if you’re a business traveller attending a conference in Singapore, which is the best location for you to stay? That’s what we look at in more detail below.
Top Business Districts & Corporate Zones in Singapore
There are several key business districts in Singapore that are hubs for conferences, meetings, and other networking activities. They are well-connected, offer plenty of accommodation choices nearby, and are tailored to enable professional guests who prioritise quick transportation, good facilities, and higher convenience. These are the key corporate hubs of the city (you should know about them first before finding suitable locations to stay nearby):
- Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) – It’s a district where you’ll find not only premier hotels and serviced apartments, but several multinational companies and high-quality meeting spaces. Most corporates like the waterfront location of this business district, along with direct MRT line access, and the availability of numerous restaurants that are ideal for both networking and corporate lunches/dinners.
- Raffles Place & Downtown Centre – You will love how Raffles Place stands out with its high concentration of office and corporate towers, event venues and co-working spaces. It has a central location, which makes it really convenient for quicker business trips and full-day conferencing or meeting schedules.
- Suntec City & Marina Centre – This area is popular for not just conferences, but also corporate exhibitions and many other big-ticket events. The surrounding accommodation options and Suntec Convention Centre are key USPs for corporates and companies who are attending multi-day programs, incentive gatherings or training sessions here.
- Orchard Road Business Belt – It is not just the hub of shopping and organised retail; Orchard Road also has a dedicated business belt with meeting rooms, serviced offices, executive accommodation options and several company offices. The central location and multiple dining/entertainment choices make it ideal for relaxed and casual business networking and dinners.
- Changi Business Park – This is ideal if you are on a short trip, with meetings scheduled right after you arrive. The location benefits from its high concentration of financial institutions, regional headquarters of various entities and technology companies. They mostly prefer this zone for its proximity to the Changi Airport.
Best Accommodation Choices for Corporate Travellers in Singapore
There are several accommodation options available for business travellers in Singapore. These include business hotels and rentals, along with corporate serviced apartments in Singapore. The latter make for excellent choices, considering their space and privacy, along with diverse configurations for business travellers. This means you don’t have to book multiple rooms for bigger travel groups. At the same time, they come equipped with facilities for business travellers, including high-speed internet connections, dedicated workspaces, laundry and housekeeping facilities, and well-equipped kitchens to cook meals (which helps you save money on dining out each day).
At the same time, they come with competitive rates for extended stays in comparison to hotels, which include services and utilities for higher savings. The flexible lease terms make it easier for you to stay as long as you like and perhaps extend your trip conveniently whenever you need it. These apartments are also located in close proximity to major business and corporate hubs in Singapore, while coming with hotel-style services and home-like space and comfort. They are ideal options for your stay in the city.
Top Locations to Stay for Conferences in Singapore
Here are some of the main locations to stay for major business events and conferences in Singapore.
- Marina Bay and Downtown Core– This is the heart of Singapore’s corporate landscape. It enables quick access to the Marina Bay Financial Centre and the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. It is ideal for financial sector events, big-ticket conferences and easy access to fabulous skyline views. There are several business accommodation choices here, along with excellent shopping and dining options.
- Civic District/City Hall– It is a centrally located and historic zone in Singapore, within walking distance to the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. You can also take a short ride to the Central Business District (CBD) as well. You get quick access to public transportation facilities from here, along with leading museums and top-class dining choices.
- Orchard Road– You will enjoy staying along Orchard Road, a prime location that caters seamlessly to both business and leisure travellers. Explore the curated selection of serviced apartments in Orchard Road, ideal for business lunches and dinners in a central, well-connected setting. At the same time, the location is central, giving you access to several parts of Singapore. You will also love shopping here, with plenty of malls and retail stores in the neighbourhood.
- Tanjong Pagar/CBD– You can consider staying in the heart of the business district, with its vibrant dining circuit and easy access to major corporate offices. You will find several financial and business hubs nearby, along with global and hip dining options.
- Bugis and Kampong Glam– You can consider staying in this refined and contemporary part of town as well. There are several stunning business towers here, along with cultural landmarks, and quick connections to the MRT network. This part of Singapore gives you access to excellent dining and cultural experiences that are ideal for after-hours networking and leisure.
The MRT network is the ideal way to travel across Singapore affordably between leading conferencing hubs. You can get a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) for unlimited travel here, while you should reserve your serviced apartments in advance. If you want more relaxed residential options, consider Holland Village or Tiong Bahru for a more tranquil experience while enjoying proper access through the MRT lines.